Browsing by Author "O'Connor, Peter"

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    Illuminating Ugarit: an iconographical study of the Egyptian influence on Ugarit during the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1600-1150 BCE)
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) O'Connor, Peter; Cornelius, Izak, 1958-; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since the discovery and subsequent exploration of the ancient capital of the Levantine kingdom of Ugarit, dating back to the 2nd millennium BCE, the relationship between Ugarit and Egypt has captivated the scholarly community. This fascination has been intensified by the uncovering of unique objects, encompassing both personal and royal items. These archaeological discoveries have served as a catalyst for specialized research, concentrating on the domain of material culture, iconography, and epigraphy. In recent years, the focus of the scholarship has been centred around the historical and cultural backdrop characterizing the interaction between Ugarit and Egypt. As the collection of ‘Egyptian’ artifacts uncovered at Ras Shamra, Minet el-Beida, and Ras Ibn Hani continues to expand, numerous inquiries remain open for investigation. Foremost among these is establishing the significance of the Egyptian styles and motifs present on a select few objects. This requires the analyses of these objects in isolation from the broader International Style. The forthcoming investigation employs an iconographic analysis on these items within the contextual framework of Late Bronze Age Ugarit, shedding new light on the intricate relationship between Ugarit and Egypt and the consequent transfer of motifs and styles at Ras Shamra. This research focuses on four key items from Late Bronze Age Ugarit: the Mami Stele, the Vase of Niqmaddu, the Baʿal au Foudre Stele, and the Ivory Bed Panel. This study underscores the high value placed on Egyptian-style items in Ugarit and how the adoption of these motifs served political, religious and cultural purposes. It also illustrates how Egyptian culture influenced Ugarit on multiple levels (the divine sphere etc.) leading to the creation of imitations and emulations. .